Hi, I'm Mark Chandler

I love sports and being outdoors. I'm a Mormon.

About Me

I grew up in Utah and love to play sports and be outdoors. I went on a Mission to Sweden after graduating high school. I am a Civil Engineer and work mainly in water resources for cities. I married my wife in 2007. Since then she has blessed my life with 2 beautiful children. We all love to spend time together, especially when we can get outside.

Why I am a Mormon

I am a Mormon because I know that living the restored gospel of Jesus Christ changes lives and brings about miracles in peoples lives. This was clearest to me on my mission as I saw lives change, including mine. I am grateful that the Lord has restored the fulness of His gospel for us to enjoy all of its blessings.

How I live my faith

I live my faith by serving others and bearing witness of the truth whenever I get an opportunity.

Why is authority to perform a baptism important?

Mark Chandler answered...

Baptism, along with other necessary ordinances, requires authority from the Lord. This is needed because only those with authority given to them have the direct link called the priesthood to this power of our Heavenly Father. He has called certain people to hold this authority to allow us to perform these ordinances in the proper way so that they will have a lasting affect. As Christ told Peter, "whatsoever ye bind on earth shall be bound in heaven." This was due only to the Priesthood which Peter was given.
Cary answered...

If baptism is the gateway to Heaven, then the baptizer is a border agent. Would you want any old person who claims to know how it's done to just start letting whoever wants to into your country? Why do you insist they carry a badge and wear a uniform, and have an ID which proves they are legitimate representatives of the government? It's the same way with God's rituals. All over the scriptures, whenever there's a ritual performed it was performed by a duly authorized representative. Doesn't it just make sense that if something essential for our salvation would be required, that it should need to be done God's way, by God's authorized representatives? Acts 19:1-6 even shows a time when the authority of the baptizer was in doubt, and Paul re-did the baptisms for good measure. With all the confusion that comes from competing people claiming to speak for God, or claiming to know His will in this matter or that, I'm glad Mormons teach about authority. There's so much more clarity about who we should listen to, and who might be perfectly well-intentioned, but who really shouldn't be listened to because they're not authorized.

Why don’t women hold the priesthood in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints? How do Mormon women lead in the Church?

Kathryn answered...

As a primary president in my ward, I share in the direction and leadership of our ward. I don't feel secondary in any way. Whether you have the priesthood or not, you are still responsible to listen to the direction of the Savior. The priesthood is a tool and power that is the same power of the Savior. It allows the human authority to do work on earth, particularly perform ordinances, and bless others. As if the Savior was here in person during His ministry accounted for in the New Testament. I would use an analogy to compare the priesthood as a car. A car is an amazing tool allowing you to get you from here to there. I don't mind my husband driving and I can offer some navigation or work the radio, as long as we and our children get there.